WhatsApp blocks over 7 million Indian accounts in crackdown on abuse

WhatsApp, the messaging giant under Meta's umbrella, has implemented robust measures to protect its platform, with a significant crackdown resulting in the banning of around 7.1 million Indian accounts in April 2024.

This action forms part of the continuous efforts by the company to combat misuse and maintain the integrity of its service.

The latest India Monthly Report reveals that WhatsApp removed 7,182,000 accounts from April 1 to April 30, 2024. Remarkably, 1,302,000 of these bans were proactive, occurring before any user complaints, demonstrating WhatsApp's proactive approach to preventing abuse.

Utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms and data analytics, the company identifies suspicious behavior patterns indicative of misuse.

During April, the messaging platform received 10,554 user reports covering a range of issues, including account support, ban appeals, product assistance, and safety concerns.

Despite the significant number of reports, only six accounts faced action based on these complaints, highlighting the stringent criteria for account intervention on the platform.

These bans align with WhatsApp's commitment to comply with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

These regulations necessitate the publication of compliance reports outlining actions taken in response to user complaints and legal violations. The latest report, issued in June 2024, emphasizes WhatsApp's strict measures against harmful behavior, employing both user feedback and advanced detection systems.